Chishaku-in Temple

Peaceful beauty a few minutes walk from Sanjusangendo

Cathy Cawood Feb 24, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Small pond by one of the temple buildings</p>

<p>Hydrangea garden behind the main hall</p>

<p>Chishakuin's gardeners have created many beautiful scenes in the garden</p>

<p>Well situated in the temple grounds</p>

<p>Gated entrance to Daisho-in building and garden</p>

<p>Looking through the dark interior at a papered sliding door</p>

<p>Looking across Daisho-in's pond garden</p>

<p>A large tsukubai (water basin) at the edge of the garden</p>

<p>Small bell hanging on the balcony</p>

When I visited this large Buddhist temple in hydrangea season virtually across the road from Sanjusangen-do, I didn't even know its name! It seems it is not well known among foreigners, and I have to wonder why... I thought the gardens were outstanding. Some views of the hydrangea garden took my breath away, and the inner garden of Daisho-in was one of the best I've ever seen. Daisho-in also had many very beautiful painted sliding doors. Apparently temple stays are possible here if you are interested in that sort of thing.

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...